This month Senator Scavello talks with officials with LifePath, an organization that provides homes and services to individuals with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the Lehigh Valley and southeastern Pennsylvania. Lifepath.org

]]>August Legislative Report with Senator Scavellohttp://www.senatorscavello.com/2017/08/03/august-legislative-report-senator-scavello/
Thu, 03 Aug 2017 18:29:58 +0000http://www.senatorscavello.com/?p=2521Come along with Senator Scavello as he takes us on a tour of the Wildlands Conservancy, a non-profit organization that promotes the preservation of green space in the Lehigh Valley and is dedicated to educating the community about how to "create a legacy of a healthy, sustainable environment for future generations".

Come along with Senator Scavello as he takes us on a tour of the Wildlands Conservancy, a non-profit organization that promotes the preservation of green space in the Lehigh Valley and is dedicated to educating the community about how to “create a legacy of a healthy, sustainable environment for future generations”. They offer educational programs all year long at numerous facilities throughout the Lehigh Valley in Emmaus, Schnecksville and Bethlehem. www.wildlandspa.org

]]>Harrisburg — Senator Mario Scavello (R-40) said today’s Senate passage of a proposed Constitutional amendment was a historic vote and moves the Commonwealth one step closer to eliminating residential school property taxes through homestead exclusion authority.

Currently, the Pennsylvania Constitution allows local taxing authorities to exclude from taxation up to 50 percent of the median assessed value of homestead property within the taxing district. House Bill 1285 would increase the allowable exclusion to 100 percent. If adopted by the voters, it would allow for the elimination of school property taxes on owner-occupied residential properties.

“Passage of House Bill 1285 takes the state constitution’s existing property tax relief provision and builds on it to allow for the complete elimination of owner-occupied residential property taxes through the homestead exclusion. This legislation is an added tool to allow school property tax elimination to be directed at residential properties, making home ownership more affordable, and most importantly, protecting individuals in danger of losing their homes,” said Scavello.

“I will continue to fight and remain committed to the overall goal of full property tax elimination with passage of Senate Bill 76. However, after two unsuccessful votes, in the case that Senate Bill 76 does not continue to garner the necessary support, we must have other alternatives that provide relief to owner occupied residential properties,”Scavello said.

In order for a constitutional amendment to be enacted, it must be passed in two consecutive legislative sessions and approved by the voters. House Bill 147 was approved by the Legislature last year, and House Bill 1285 has now been approved. This historic legislation will now go to the voters to decide.

“We can all agree that any tax that would take a person’s home after working their entire life to pay for it is wrong and immoral. No individual should have to choose between paying for prescription medications, taking care of their health and paying for property taxes,” said Scavello. “People should be able to own their property and enactment of this constitutional amendment will protect and safeguard that constitutional right.”

As general election day 2017 nears, Senator Scavello will send reminders of the importance of voting on this measure.

]]>July Legislative Report with Senator Scavellohttp://www.senatorscavello.com/2017/07/06/july-legislative-report-senator-scavello/
Thu, 06 Jul 2017 19:24:32 +0000http://www.senatorscavello.com/?p=2507This Month Senator Scavello visits Good Shepherd Rehabilitation at St. Luke’s Monroe Campus in Stroudsburg. You will meet some extraordinary staff as well as those benefiting from the services like Ruth Argon at in the new, most comprehensive facility of its kind in the Poconos.

This Month Senator Scavello visits Good Shepherd Rehabilitation at St. Luke’s Monroe Campus in Stroudsburg. You will meet some extraordinary staff as well as those benefiting from the services like Ruth Argon at in the new, most comprehensive facility of its kind in the Poconos.

]]>Scavello Applauds Animal Protection Bill Signinghttp://www.senatorscavello.com/2017/06/28/alloway-applauds-animal-protection-bill-signing/
Wed, 28 Jun 2017 19:43:23 +0000http://www.senatorscavello.com/?p=2499Senator Mario Scavello offers remarks at the bill signing for House Bill 1238. The new law, now known as Act 10 of 2017, updates and clarifies the existing animal abuse statute and increasing the penalties for abusing any animal.

Senator Mario Scavellooffers remarks at the bill signing for House Bill 1238. The new law, now known as Act 10 of 2017, updates and clarifies the existing animal abuse statute and increasing the penalties for abusing any animal.

]]>Swiftwater, PA – State Senator Mario Scavello will host his Annual Senior Expo on Monday, July 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pocono Mountain Swiftwater Elementary Center (135 Academic Drive, Swiftwater, PA 18370). The Expo is co-sponsored and will be attended by State Representatives Rosemary Brown and Jack Rader. Admission is free to the public.

Over 70 exhibitors from non-profit and government agencies will provide information on the services they offer benefiting seniors. Door prizes, health screenings, educational seminars, and refreshments will be provided.

“Each year the Senior Expo provides a wealth of information to help our area seniors manage their finances, take control of their health, and protect against potential scams targeting seniors,” said Senator Scavello. “Our seniors form the backbone of our communities and this is a valuable opportunity to receive information on new topics and services available to enable them to live independently. I encourage all seniors to attend and learn what services best benefit you.”

Additional outdoor exhibitors will include the Hughes Library Book Mobile and the PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Mobile Van. A representative from the North Central Highway Safety Network will also be on hand to check vehicles for issues with mirrors, seats, and other factors that might impede driving safety.

For more information, please contact Senator Mario Scavello’s Monroe County district office at 570-620-4326.

State Senator Mario Scavello represents the 40th Senatorial District, which includes portions of Monroe and Northampton Counties. To find out more information regarding this event or any state-related issue, please visit www.marioscavello.com or email mscavello@pasen.gov.

]]>Bipartisan policy forum to focus on reform, elimination of school property taxeshttp://www.senatorscavello.com/2017/06/19/bipartisan-policy-forum-focus-reform-elimination-school-property-taxes/
Mon, 19 Jun 2017 20:00:46 +0000http://www.senatorscavello.com/2017/06/19/bipartisan-policy-forum-focus-reform-elimination-school-property-taxes/ Two key state Senate committees will host a forum on Thursday to dive deeper into proposals to eliminate and reform school property taxes in Pennsylvania.

]]>HARRISBURG – Two key state Senate committees will host a forum on Thursday to dive deeper into proposals to eliminate and reform school property taxes in Pennsylvania.

The Senate Majority Policy and Democratic Policy Committees will hear testimony from various groups with a vested interest in school property tax elimination and reform during the first in a series of public forums regarding the property tax problem.

“As one of the many sponsors of a measure to eliminate school property taxes, I think it’s important to hear ways to advance this issue of much-needed relief for homeowners across this state,” Argall said. “I look forward to a robust discussion with various stakeholders as to how we move forward as requested by so many taxpayers across the state.”

Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton/Lehigh) added, “As a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 76 and an advocate who has fought to eliminate property taxes throughout her career, I am encouraged by this bipartisan approach. Pennsylvania’s seniors, working families and all homeowners expect and deserve decisive action this session.”

Senator Mario Scavello (R-Monroe/Northampton), who is hosting the event, said the issue of local tax reform is a top priority for local residents.

“I am very pleased to have the Senate Policy Committees come to the 40th Senate District to discuss school property tax reform, the single most important issue affecting my constituents,” Scavello said. “This forum is a vital step in continuing to build momentum to end our reliance on the burdensome school property tax that makes it difficult for seniors and families alike to stay in their homes and often makes our citizens choose between critical expenses and paying the property tax.”

The forum will feature a presentation by the Pennsylvania Coalition of Taxpayer Associations, the statewide grassroots organization comprised of volunteers who drafted Senate Bill 76, which would eliminate school property taxes by shifting to an increased Personal Income Tax and increased and expanded Sales and Use Tax. Also invited are the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, the Pennsylvania School Business Officials, the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors and the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.

Other proposals that will be discussed include: school property tax freeze for senior citizens, a Constitutional amendment to allow for the total elimination of school property taxes for homeowners only, local options for school districts to either reduce or eliminate school property taxes, as well as property tax reassessment reform.

The forum will take place at the Pocono Mountain East High School Auditorium, 231 Pocono Mountain School Road, Swiftwater, PA 18370 on Thursday, June 22 at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend and there will be a period for questions from local residents.